Knicks Roster News: Derrick Rose will take paycut to join Championship calibre team next season

Derrick Rose will test the free agency waters for the first time since being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA draft. The former MVP no longer seeks a huge payday this summer and plans to join a legitimate title contender next season.

“Not even thinking money. I’ve got more than enough money saved. If I stopped playing basketball now, I’ll be all right,” Rose told reporters in Utah on Wednesday night. “I want to win. I want to be happy and feel at peace with myself wherever I’m at. But being at the negotiating table, you never know. I’m not going to negotiate with people where money is the No. 1 thing I’m asking for. I want to win.”

Derrick Rose playing first and last season with the Knicks

Derrick Rose is currently playing the final year of a five-year, $94 million contract extension he signed with the Bulls in 2011. Last summer, the Bulls decided to trade him to the New York Knicks and automatically declared Jimmy Butler as their new franchise player. Knicks president Phil Jackson traded for Rose with the hope of addressing their backcourt problem.

Rose somehow managed to live up to expectations and remains healthy in his first season with the Knicks. In 62 games, he averaged 17.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Despite his incredible stats, the Knicks remain questionable to re-sign Rose once he becomes an unrestricted free agent next season.

Since the All-Star break, coach Jeff Hornacek decided to make a huge change and use the triangle offense, Jackson’s preferred offensive strategy. Rose admitted that he’s not comfortable with the system and would prefer an up-tempo style offense. However, his inability to fit in the system will force the Knicks to find his replacement this summer.

Rose’s decision to take lesser money attracts playoff contender team

Derrick Rose is expected to play for another team next season. After regaining his MVP form, Rose will undeniably attract a playoff contender team which is in dire need of an upgrade in a point guard. Though he’s not ruling out re-signing with the Knicks, Rose is willing to give every interested team the chance to make an offer.

“It’s a part of free agency to see about the other teams out there, whoever is out there, whoever is interested. At least give them a chance and go from there. This will be the first time I’ll be a free agent. I don’t know how that process goes.”

His willingness to prioritize winning over money will give him a higher chance to attract powerhouse teams this summer. With the Knicks’ plan to execute the triangle offense next season, there is a possibility that they will look for a pass-first point guard in the upcoming offseason.